Computer and Electronic Engineering (with placement year)

Computer and Electronic Engineering teaches you to combine digital electronics, microprocessors and software to develop and enable the potential of embedded computer systems.

Embedded systems include mobile phones, game consoles, car engine management systems, traffic lights, and wireless routers, to name a few.

PCs and traditional desktop computers are designed for multiple tasks, whereas embedded computer systems often have a dedicated function or purpose. This tends to be within a larger electromechanical system and is often small, rugged and low power.

They use microprocessors and microcontrollers and link to sensors and sensor systems. Computer and electronic engineers define the hardware, firmware, and software that enable and are within these embedded computer systems.

The theory of digital electronics and electrical engineering underpins the course. This is complimented with subjects such as computer architecture and design, programming and embedded software engineering, field-programmable gate arrays (FGPA) design, digital interfacing and development, and control and management theory.

All computers and embedded systems are subject to Moore’s Law; they are increasing in capability yearly, increasing the opportunity for application management and control.

What's the difference between MEng and BEng? The MEng Computer and Electronic Engineering degree is aimed at the most ambitious of students who wish to develop high-flying careers within different industrial sectors and to become the future leaders of industry in companies concerned with the design, development and application of electronic and computing systems. The MEng course is the preferred route to achieving Chartered Engineer status.

The structure of the first two years are common between the BEng and MEng and provide you with engineering and electrical science core skills, combined with computer systems, programming modules and engineering management. The application of engineering and electrical science shared with the solution of industrial problems is a strong theme throughout the courses.

The MEng structure is distinct from the BEng course in the third and fourth academic years, providing enhanced opportunities to study your chosen specialist subjects in depth. In addition, MEng students follow extra modules in business management, application of management theory, and design and microprocessor control systems.

The MEng courses allow high calibre students to develop their understanding of the role of electronic and computer systems engineering in the industrial context, over and beyond that of the BEng courses.